Sketch the mother character in The Leap?

Answer 1

Ana Avalon character sketch

By Cenjar

Ana Avalon is the main character in Louise Erdrich's short story "The Leap." She is a former blind trapeze artist and the mother of the narrator. Throughout the story she exhibits quite a few character traits.

For one thing, she is quick thinking and can easily adapt to a new environment. She shows this trait on the night of the accident; when a bolt of liking struck the metal wire that was supporting Ana and her husband, Harry, and caused Harry to fall to his death. As soon as she realized that her husband wouldn't be able to catch her, Ana grabbed on to the burning hot metal and, at the cost of burning her hands to the point where she could never be a trapeze artist again, was able to save her own life. Another mention of this character trait is when the narrator talks about how her mother has gone blind, and how, despite this, she has never bumped into and object and that she has never tripped over something nor lost her balance.

Another trait she exhibits is that she is a very quick learn. She shows this in the hospital, where she learns how to read and right in a manner of weeks.

Finally, she is able to ignore things like pain or injury. She first shows on the night of the accident, when she is able to hold on to the burning hot iron bars and save her own life. She shows this again when her house catches on fire and her daughter is trapped in her bedroom on the top floor. Ignoring her burnt hands, Ana strips down to her bra and climbs up to her daughter's window and rescues her.

Answer 2

The mother in "The Leap" is portrayed as a strong and resilient woman, who overcame a terrifying situation through determination and courage. She is shown to have a deep bond with her child, as she risks her life to save her daughter. Despite being injured in the fall, she remains calm and composed, showcasing her unwavering love and protection towards her child.